We're just going to take a little nap...

Just close our eyes. Take a breathe. Have a little snooze. Regroup, reorganize and rethink our goals and what we are working towards. We have been so happy to plant our business roots in our beautiful BC, and are so thrilled to be back home. We have been able to be creative in a place we find most inspiring and don't plan on going anywhere. But life gets rolling and with every new adventure comes a little lesson. After two and a half years of those little lessons, we have come to realize we have so much more to learn. Our greatest desire is to lead and curate the future of a little design company called Fair JAKE. It was when we started, and it is still. We've just learned along the way the ideals we conjured up at the beginning of this experiment into entrepreneurism were young and innocent and maybe a little fantastical. We love the optimism and see its vitality in small business, but we want to be smart and learn from the professionals that have gone before us. We want to absorb their wisdom and be captivated be the lessons they have learned. SO, that is what we are going to do. We are going to explore the business world, witness the downfalls and victories and learn from the best. Then we will come back. We will wake up if you will. We will remerge; a little more grown up, a wee bit smarter, a smidge more worldly and aware. Do not worry - you'll know when we start up again. Some things you can't change. The quirky, west-coast loving Fair JAKE team will be back. Our dream, pride and joy and passion is Fair JAKE. We'll wake up soon. But for now we're just going to take a little nap.

Love Alex and Kim

Thank you everyone for all your love and support over the last couple years! 

Did you "Make It" on our list?

This past weekend, Make It! took the holiday market scene by storm. As past exhibitors ourselves, we always like to go and check out the awesome stuff on show. This curated market never disappoints, with the unbelievable creativity and unique products, the entrepreneurs this year were no different. Since we're writing our holiday lists at this very moment, we thought we would let you know what made our list!

1. The Moni Clutch from Davie & Chiyo

2. The Sesamo Bianco chocolate bark from Cocoa Nymph.

Now we just need a great glass of Riesling to go along with it!

3. Any of the jewelry from Fox & Fancy. Their painted repurposed leather necklaces are so fun. I already have one of their pieces, but would love one more!

4. Coffee mugs from Blushface Paper Goods. I can't decide between these two…

I think it would depend on my morning mood… so maybe both!

5. The Century Collage Necklace from Hailey Gerrits Designs is so beautiful and unique. 

I guess now all we have to do is be good and these items may just find their way under the tree!!

Happy shopping everyone!

- Kim & Alex

Tis The Season

If you missed Circle Craft, or couldn't afford the ticket don't worry because it was only the beginning of the Christmas market scene. Whether you are shopping for Christmas, Birthday, Channukah (Starts this week so you may want to get on that one), or Kwanza gifts...or just a little something for the most special person in the world, Yourself! Buying local is a great way to find unique, one-of-a-kind, quality gifts and what better way to do it than to head to one of the many markets around town. We LOVE to support local companies and as past participants of many of these shows we know first hand what a great time they are.

Vancouver Christmas Market

First up is the Vancouver Christmas Market which takes over the front of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and is not only a craft fair with many goodies, but it is a German styled event with delicious food and drink as well as entertainment for all ages. This Market is outdoors and runs from November 22nd- December 24th.

Cufflinks by Off-Cut Accessories

Next on our list is a must do, Make It! Having moved to a bigger and better location (PNE Forum) this year, I am expecting good things from this show, even though they never disappoint. The only downfall I have ever noticed is that it can become crowded but with their new venue this season, I think it will be an amazing market with only the best local goodies and great music and even better beer! I really like these cufflinks by Off-Cut Accessories, designed using spare wood. So go check it out THIS WEEKEND! Starts Thursday November 28th and goes till Sunday the 1st.


And before you know it December will be in full force and it will be time for Got Craft? the last market on our radar this season for all of our gift shopping. Taking place at the Maritime Labour Centre on the 14th and 15th of December, this show is a great place for your getting close to last minute shopping needs. I am definitely heading their way to get this beautiful accessory by Phaulet.

And if you aren't into the market scene but enjoy supporting our local economy and innovators then check out LOCO BC's website! The first Tuesday of every month they have an event where you can mingle enjoy some food and beverages and see what is going on in the neighbourhood.

Oh, and remember to always check Groupon and Living Social for any discounted ticket prices!

Let the festivities begin!

-Alex

And the Newest Elect to The CFDA Is...

Something you may or may not know about me is that I am a twin! My twin sister Sam and I look quite similar but are nothing alike, and yet people are always in shock when we tell them we are fraternal twins. So, my answer is always Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are fraternal twins and I cannot tell them apart. (After looking at several photos of them for this article I now can...can you?) 

Being in fashion, I try to keep up to date with what is happening in the industry so we can share some of it with you. When I read that Ashley Olsen was elected onto the board of Council of Fashion Designers of America, I thought two things; one, did she go to school for fashion design?And two, how did her twin sister and business partner feel? 
Both Kim and I are agree that going to school and getting our degrees in fashion design has helped us to learn every aspect of the industry and has given us the confidence to take those skills into our future jobs. Schooling is not the only way to gain credibility, apprenticeships are another traditional way to gain credibility and experience but as I am sure you have heard from us before, many celebrity designers have started their own fashion companies based on the fact that people like their personal style... so they must know how to run a fashion company. As a person who has gone through 4 years of school, over 400 hours of unpaid interning, and butt loads of debt, watching celebrities starting fashion label after fashion label and gaining instant brand awareness is quite frustrating. To then hear that Ashley Olsen is now part of the CFDA, was the cherry on top. 
As a twin I know the love and support one feels for each other but I can imagine for the two of them that have done everything in the entire lives together, I feel like it is a bit of a slap in the face that only one was elected. I remember when my twin Sam made the BC soccer team and I didn't and being so happy for her, but at the same time I missed out on some amazing experiences that we normally would have shared.
Although Kim and I are not twins we do joke because we are both red heads...I dye my hair red and we know each other inside and out so it makes it easy to work together.
I look forward to reading what this new status for Ashley Olsen does for The Row and all their other fashion labels.

-Alex

Career Hunting

We are in our mid 20's. It is that point in your life, or is supposedly that point in your life, when you are entering the job market, struggling to get on your feet and still maintain the resemblance of a social life. I've read some really good articles lately on what it means to be in your 20s. There are a lot of explanations out there pertaining to the situation we find ourselves in, from generational differences to university shortfalls. Everyone has their opinion. Take a look at the links I have posted at the bottom - I'd love to hear how your own experience compares.

What I have found though is an increase in Universities as a business. I have friends that work in post-secondary education that will probably disagree with me, but it seems a bit odd that acceptance into certain programs isn't mirroring the job market. Every article I've read mentions the void in skilled trades and a surplus of arts grads. Its crazy to me that a degree now is only a stepping stone to your desired career.

Another surprising fact is the proportion of creative graduates Canadian Universities are pumping out compared to the annual amount Canadian business spends on Research and Development. Our R&D in the private sector doesn't even come close to what Japan, Finland and Norway are pumping out, yet we are telling our graduates the sky is the limit.

I'm not blaming the system for all the generational downfalls. We are unbelievably good at procrastinating. I could be doing work right now. Teaching myself how to play guitar. Or job hunting. But instead, I am writing a blog. And then I'll probably go on Facebook. It is a bit of a shock though, thinking you can accomplish whatever you set your heart out to do, and then realizing their is an infinite number of university graduates that were assured the same.

I think the biggest problem that may face our generation and the job market is our expectations. We grew up wanting what we want and not being able to have it or succeed at it is not really acceptable. I think what may be annoying everyone else is that we think our generation is the first to suffer from this, while that is not quite correct. If we can learn from the past generations and how they dealt with slumps in the job market, we may be able to adjust our expectations.

We'd love to hear your opinion!

Vancouver Sun article on how University is preparing Canadian students for the workforce.

Huffington Post directs the responsibility of the situation on the high expectations of our generation.

Maclean's explains the stereotype attached to our generation and the supposed laziness we all possess.

The Toxicity of Fast Fashion

We've written a lot about the environmental and social impact of fashion. We've talked about unsafe working conditions, synthetic fibres and the benefits of local production. We've brushed past low-impact dye practices and toxic textile applications. Until now.

In July 2011, Greenpeace launched Detox. Now, it is powered by over half a million people who are demanding toxic free fashion and clean water. So far, eighteen global apparel labels have signed on, such as Nike, H&M and Levi's. To make all the information completely painless to take in, Greenpeace has produced a video explaining the objectives of their program, and the facts that led to the creation of Detox. So rather than go on and on about how integral it is for us to find a solution to the ecological disaster fashion is creating, I will let the educational video do the talking. Take a look -

For the full list of fashion companies that have signed on to Detox Fashion Manifesto, check out the Detox page on the Greenpeace website here.

Hope this give you lots to think about, especially the next time you head out on a shopping trip. The best consumer is an educated one!

- Kim

Let The Debate Begin...

If you are a follower of Fair JAKE then you know that although we have a lot to say about everything, we are definitely not social media butterflies. We do our best to inform our readers of important, hot topics and things that interest us but we are still new to the twitter world and like media spotlights.

Yesterday I was thinking about what to write for today’s post and I came across this great twitter feed by Conde Nast College of Fashion and Design.

Conde Nast only opended in April 2013 but as it is owned by Advance Publications, Inc., one of the largest privately owned media and communications companies in the world, it is making huge strides in the fashion industry already.

The twitter feed, which was a debate open to anyone to join in, was “What duty, if any, does the fashion industry have to challenge stereotypes of all kinds?"

I found it refreshing to see twitter used in such a way and couldn’t wait to read the debate. One of the most interesting responses was by Rachana Bhide‏@RachanaBhide

“I think it is more realistic to expect tools like social media ("real people" adopting & pushing fashion) to debunk stereotypes.#CNCollege”

There are definitely  those that wear what they want and push boundaries, but there are also those that think they are being different and unique but in reality are almost creating stereotypes because they are conforming so much. For example, “The Hipster” movement. My boyfriend went to a party about 6 months ago, right at the beginning of the summer and he sat there for an hour mingling with all sorts, all explaining how they are tired of “the norm” and describing all the ways they are unique and better for it, but as an outsider all he saw was a room crowded with stinky, similarly dressed people all drinking PBR’s and right there he made a generalization.

Although people need to start taking responsibility for our role in social and environmental change, it is unjust to say that the fashion industry has no duty in challenging stereotypes. Social media is not only a way for us “real people” to express ourselves but it is a powerful way for the industry to express its opinions and now more than ever the industry needs to not only be aware of that but step up and start proving that we care more about human society than just what colour is on trend this fall.

I know that companies and organizations use twitter, instagram, etc. to reach people and inform their target markets, so I hope that I continue to read posts like yesterday’s from @CNCollege and I look forward to joining the debate.

Murder Mystery Night

With Halloween only one day behind us I am sure most retailers are starting their Christmas preparations; however, some of us are still trying to take in the spooky and haunting Halloween spirit for one last weekend. I am sure if you didn’t get out last weekend you have been plotting your outings for the next two nights. We at Fair JAKE are going all in and participating in a MURDER MYSTERY party. Kim is the master mind behind the whole thing and I am going to show up with full intentions of solving the whole thing!

I have never participated in a murder mystery before but I am excited to see how it all unwinds! I also think it is a great way to meet new people or to get to see a different side of those you already know.

We get so used to doing the same thing all the time or seeing the same people because as young adults, starting our careers and figuring out our lives, it can get pretty hectic so we get stuck in these routines and now and again it is a good idea to break the cycle! Sure we are doing this because it is Halloween..or close to it… and we thought it would be fun but I think the bigger picture hear is to every so often try and get outside your box. I know I am definitely going to be way out of my comfort zone tonight pretending to be “One-Eyed Wanda” but with some liquid courage and a kick ass costume I am guaranteed to have a good time.

Next time you have a free weekend coming up, think about what you could do to try something new, whether it is a bus ride down to Seattle or Portland (See Kim’s Tuesday post last week) or organizing a get together at home, ask yourself how you can push your boundaries a little and you might surprise yourself.

-Alex

(a.k.a. One-Eyed Wanda)

The No Waste Concept

For the beautiful weather we are having, I thought this article would relate. Repost it is, but this concept will never stop testing my puzzle-loving brain!

When I was at school in Sydney, one of my extremely talented profs was delving into the concept of creating patterns utilizing every millimeter of fabric and eliminating all fabric waste in apparel production. Its a concept that I've always kept in mind, but its definitely a tricky one to achieve. It takes a lot of time, trial and error and creativity in a different form. Think a very difficult game of tetris.

Today there is a short article posted on Etsy about zero-waste which caught my eye. For me, this entire education has actually come around full circle. The article on Etsy talks about a challenge Loomstate presented to Parsons students about zero waste. Who was the faculty advising and instructing the class in New York? Timo Rissanen, my prof at UTS in Sydney is making his brilliance global, and that is my full circle. Fair JAKE will be closely following this brilliant man!

It got me thinking again. At Fair JAKE we use recycled and remnant materials to cut down our waste, and our garbage bins rarely fill, and are mostly topped with thread clippings and tiny snippettes of fabric. But as we introduce and launch new products, the pattern aspect is definitely something we need to consider. While one standard t-shirt pattern my not yield much waste, when producing thousands and thousands of garments, the waste adds up. And not only does waste equal unnecessary toppers to our landfills, but loss of money, and honestly in this economy loss of money is not going to work for anyone.

Keep posted, because as we move into spring and introduce new lines and products, we are going to be keeping the idea of zero waste in mind. So we will see how far we can push the creative boundaries over the next little bit. For now, here is the winner of the Loomstate-sponsored, Parsons the New School for Design zero-waste competition. Congrats Andria Crescioni

 

Etsy blog article: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/noted-creating-a-zero-waste-garment/?ref=fp_blog_post

Co.Design article: http://www.fastcodesign.com/1668942/loomstate-to-parsons-students-design-a-zero-waste-garment-and-well-make-it

Warehouse Sale!!!

We don't often do advertising, but 75% off sustainable women's clothing is hard to pass up. Check out the sale this weekend at 6th and Ontario. Perfect time to get a kick start on holiday shopping and pick up some awesome stuff for yourself too!

Portlandia!!!

So this past weekend I headed down to Portland with some wonderful friends for an awesome girls weekend. I knew to expect great things of Portland - its known for its craft beer scene, has awesome live music bars and highly recommended sidewalk markets and doughnut shops. 

What I wasn't aware of was the environmental commitment the city has made. They are one of the most bicycle friendly cities in North America - even the parking garages have motion-sensor lights!

We stayed in downtown by Pioneer Place, walked down towards the water, enjoyed the Saturday Market and headed up to Nob Hill/23rd Ave. We enjoyed a flight of beer at the oldest brewery in the city, Bridgeport Brewery - loved the old architecture of the city and this was probably the best example of old architecture meets new. The city is a lot older than Vancouver and it really adds to the vibe of the whole place. There tends to be a lot of plaid and hipster-seeming dressers, but there is equally as much outdoor activities and beer to warrant all the lumberjack attire.

We spent way too much money on clothes, drank our fair share of beer and had some awesome local cuisine. We loved the commitment to sourcing food locally and the support of Oregon based designers. I picked up an awesome snowboard jacket from Portland based design team Airblaster (not a great name, but fantastic gear) and really enjoyed being in the city during Portland Design Week. I highly recommend checking out this wonderful city - it is humble, friendly and creative while supporting local business and celebrating its history. With a ton of beer.

- Kim

 

The air is crisp and the fog has set; I just love October nights! The eerie nights set the tone for some of the spookiest haunted houses around. 

Every year we go to Fright Night at the PNE and get the pants scared off us. Last year my friend and I literally ran to the other side of the grounds to get away from one of the characters. But in my opinion it is as scary and fun as you want to make it. You have to let your imagination run wild and remember what it is like to be a kid again.

I have yet to go to the Dunbar Haunted House but I hear it is a terrifyingly fun time. The actors working at these haunted houses not only get to act but they get to interact with their audience which in my experience seems to be a lot more interesting to them and brings out their imagination as well as their inner demons!

The Dunbar Haunted House

Whether you love watching scary movies and know all the usual suspects or you are like me and can't listen to or watch horror movies you are guaranteed a good time.

Fright Nights is an obvious choice because it is a theme park but if you love community spirit like we at Fair JAKE do then the Dunbar Haunted House is the one for you. The Dunbar Haunted House has grown out of a love of Halloween and a desire to connect with their community. It was created by people for people within a community and I for one, want to see the success and passion behind it just for that reason alone.

It is truly amazing how talented and passionate people can be when they care about something, so whether it is the actors at Fright Nights or the creators of the Dunbar House, head out and let your imagination go. 

Good Luck!

-Alex

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which I am sure everyone knows already. As we have mentioned before, we at Fair JAKE are interested not only in fashion, but how it can participate in larger life issues...and in this case, it is fairly easy. Many breast cancer foundations use the fashion industry to raise money for their cause. 

Whether you are flashing your pink ribbon pin, sporting a FashionTargets Breast Cancer t-shirt, 

buying one of many sponsored products created to support breast cancer awareness, 

or even just voting for your favourite White Cashmere Collection dress you are helping to promote awareness of breast cancer; and you are doing it through fashion. 

Canadian Cancer Society's stats say that it is estimated that 23,800 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. With stats like this, everyone is sure to know and care for at least one woman that has had, has or will have this horrible illness. That is why it is so important to help in anyway we know how; in our case it is through fashion. 

Many top named designers use their status to create a "must have" that not only raises money for the cause but gives the consumer something to wear; to show the world that they care. The most important thing to know, especially as a woman is to be aware! 

Hopefully this article and all other attempts through fashion help to create this awareness and remind women to go get checked out!

-Alex

Read more: http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/breast/statistics/?region=bc#ixzz2hiM9Yp6B

Have a "Green" Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving weekend here, most of us are either being entertained or hosting. With the latter duty falling on me this year (to my excitement), it got me thinking once again of hosting a "green" party. For this reason, I thought it would be fitting to re-post my previous hosting article from when the entire Barr clan came for Easter. So excuse the spring time colours, but there are some great ideas hiding below. And I will post more pictures next week from what will be a fantastic Orphan Turkey Feast. Have a great Thanksgiving!

I don't know about you, but I love to entertain. In a city that is as expensive as Vancouver, it is definitely the cheaper option. To make playing hostess even better, how about some tips and tricks to make it "green" - and when I say green, I mean it in a couple ways. What I want to know are ways to save money and be easy on the environment. Some of these ways may have a higher start up cost, but will save you more in the long run than running to the dollar store every time you host a theme party or want a pretty table. 

The event that inspired this article is this: my family came to stay with me for Easter long weekend. I was excited to show them around the city, go to Stanley Park, walk along the sea wall and the amazing weather was everything I could have asked for. But when I started planning for them to come it dawned on me, my apartment is barely stocked for 1, let alone 6. So I started thinking spare towels, sheets, blankets, plates. All those things you don't think of until a car full of Barrs show up in your parking spot.

While snooping and trying to figure out the best way to accomplish all this yet maintain a budget, I've stumbled on some tips and tricks that I thought I could share. First off, make a list. If you know what you need and only what you need, you'll save yourself from aimlessly wandering around the store and walking home with a crockpot (which I did). I needed pillows, towels and sheets so I hit up Home Sense. I got organic cotton sheets for $40 that I love, 2 super awesome pillows for $16 a pop and a set of organic towels that I gifted to myself and downgraded my neon pink set to the guest closet. It might have been an upfront cost, but now I'm stocked for the next time I have a large group coming to stay.

The dinner is more what I was focusing on for this article however. All the food and drinks and decor can add up financially, and the waste and sources can leave a mark on the environment. But as always, I want everything to look great. I found a nice colourful pastel piece of fabric at the thrift store to use as a tablecloth and bright coloured reusable placemats from Dollarama. West Elm had some amazing cloth napkins that we used (in the picture there are paper napkins - my Mom brought them, and they happened to fit right in). I needed two extra sets of cutlery, which I also found at the thrift store. For the rest, I decorated with potted flowers. They won't keel over like cut flowers, and still add life to the room.

As for the food, we bought a free run farm turkey from our friend in the Okanagan (there are lots of turkey farms throughout BC that take requests for the turkey-serving holidays) and veggies from Granville Island Market. Served up with homemade pumpkin pie, Summerhill Organic red wine, U-Brew white wine and Canada's first sustainable brewery's Stanley Park Amber Ale, our table looked awesome, was stocked with local, sustainable fare and came in under budget. A happy hostess and happy guests made this long weekend the relaxing, fun and easy holiday we were all hoping for.

Our next event we will be hosting is a spring cleaning Clothing Swap. We will make sure we keep everyone posted on the details, but sock it away in the back of your mind and check back every week for updates. And if you want any recipes that I've mentioned or have tips and tricks of your own to add, please let us know!

- Kim

Get Your Green On

Today (Tuesday) finds us right smack dab in the middle of Vancouver Eco Fashion Week. I hope you were on its radar, because the shows, events and educational sessions this organization puts together twice a year is a fantastic collection of creativity, design and global awareness. In its seventh edition, this 4 day stint of events brings together the brightest and most inspiring minds in our local industry. Being on the West Coast, we tend to be too far away and too small a city to really have any impact on the global fashion community. However, the Vancouver industry has figured out a way to be heard.

First, you carve out a niche. Then you perfect it, you own it, you live by it. Then you look around you and notice that half the people around you are also living by it. That is the point where Eco Fashion Week stepped in. They identified the impressive sustainably-minded business owners, chatted with them, found sponsors and got them all on a large stage with flashing lights big and bold enough to yell at the rest of the fashion world "Not only are we incredibly talented but we are also really really cool..."

Of course, this is my shortened, by-observation analysis of the whole thing, but I truly love what they have done. British Columbia has such a huge Social Venture Network that when trying to get noticed amongst New York, Toronto and Paris, we really need to play to our strengths and pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat. So we highlight our stereotypical "west coast", laid back, liberal-thinking vibe to the industry and you have a whole new fashion sector. No longer is fashion just a superficial business. It now has heart.

To have that blossoming out of Vancouver is such an honour. It may have started in Europe and Australia. We may be a little late to the party. But as for North America, many of our designers are on the forefront. And don't be thinking hippie clothes now. These are designers who are creative and talented. They just think sustainably and bring that into their business. Its not a selling feature, but rather an after-thought for the buyer. A "oh, I love this design" and "by the way, its made of tencel" kind of collection. If we can somehow get the majority thinking this way, the use of petroleum by-products such as polyester, harmful dye toxins and fast-fashion garbage-dump-filler may be a thing of the past.

If you are unable to make the shows this season, I highly recommend attending the shows or sessions in for the next instalment in April. Until then, you can check out some of our local talent listed below and watch the current shows on the Eco Fashion Week website and live streaming or taped shows via livestream.com

Nicole Bridger - www.nicolebridger.com
Claire Bouvier - www.theclairecloset.com
Dandelion Wind Opaine - www.dandiwind.ca
Kenneth Wyse - http://ecofashion-week.com/designers/07/kennethwyse.html
Cherry Blossom Design - www.cherryblossomdesign.ca
Young Oak - http://ecofashion-week.com/designers/07/youngoak.html

The Nicole Bridger team that I am so happy to be a part of.

Hope you are able to enjoy the great event that is 100% truly west coast!


- Kim

"Those Boot Were Made For Walking"

It is that time of year again to get your snazzy rain boots out because it is pouring these days! According to the Vancouver Sun, we had near record breaking rain last month and it isn't going to stop there. Now, if you are new to Vancouver then you may need a few pointers because us Vancouverites are sort of pros when it comes to the rain.

Here are a few pointer on how to stay fashionable and more importantly DRY.

1. A good pair of boots; because wet feet not only make you cold, but in my experience, they also take a while to de-soak...

The oh so popular Hunter boots.

The fun and flirty printed boots.

The gotta have yellow rain boots.

...or if you are like Kim you probably want one of each. LOL

2. A warm and functional raincoat, that is actually waterproof!

Lululemon know's where it's at as a Vancouver based company.

Made from recycled polyester this Echo Rain trench
is not only sustainable but waterproof too!

Dace Thomas Raincoat

3. If you must...an umbrella. But REMEMBER to follow proper umbrella etiquette if you go this route!

UMBRELLA ETIQUETTE 101

Lift up your umbrella when passing others as not to poke them in the eye.

When going under an awning or covered walkway, close your umbrella.

When you get on the bus or skytrain do not put your WET umbrella on the seat.

No one needs an extra large golf umbrella, just get one that fits in your bag or purse because seriously, in Vancouver you never know when it is going to rain.

And finally, please look where you are going! Having your umbrella right over your shoulder, while on the phone and looking at the ground only results in one thing, your umbrella jabbing someone...and you looking like an idiot while you walk along the streets of Vancouver.(So I guess two things)

I cannot wait to get a new trench raincoat and rain boots...I am a bit behind schedule, but I am allowed because I am going to Mexico this weekend so all I have been able to think about is the sun. LOL

I hope these tips help, and remember rain gear is going to be a bit pricey but in rainy Vancouver it is an investment!

-Alex

Meanwhile, in Bangladesh (Part 1)

Have you been checking out all the fashion weeks? Toronto, Paris, New York, Vancouver... We sure have! We've been glued to Style.com, Pinterest and The Sartorialist. We've been discussing what's next in fashion, posting pictures of our favourite pieces and talking about walks and shoes and bags and so many pretty things. Its fairly easy to get caught up in all the beauty of it all. But there are issues within the fashion industry, as there are within any business. The weight of models is a reoccurring hot topic, the use of unpaid interns a constant issue. Then you have advertising and its never ending faux pas and moral plunders. Yet, these issues are rather frivolous in nature, as important as they are to acknowledge. The fashion industry in itself is rather trivial, despite its solid footing and importance in the global economy.

I'm not meaning to patronize or speak down of the industry, but every now and then we have to remind ourselves, it is just clothing. We got into the industry for the love of it. You sacrifice a little and put up with a lot because you want to be part of the glamour, the design and the hustle. The thing is, this decision is not a global occurrence. In countries like Bangladesh where the main industry is apparel, it is not a choice but rather necessity to work in a clothing factory. They need the pittance that it puts in their pocket to keep a dilapidated roof overhead.

We wrote about the Bangladeshi factory disaster back in July, and we've touched on the appalling conditions in some of the factories throughout Asia. Both these topics have made their way onto high-profile papers and global broadcasts. So we found it quite interesting it isn't nation-wide news that right now there is a strike going on. At this moment, on the other side of the world where the majority of the clothing is made, there is a labour movement happening.  10,000 workers in Bangladesh are currently standing together in protest to demand higher wages, that would take the minimum monthly wage from $38 to $103.

Now take note Western World, because if the previous headlines didn't get your attention, this one might. This story will not just call for your compassion or views on social justice. Its not being told so you can talk with your friends about shopping boycotts that you inevitably forget about. We won't be able to deny it or turn a blind eye, because this labour movement is going to get passed on to the consumer. The factory owners won't be taking the financial hit to supply Joe Fresh with two-dollar tank tops. The cost is going to be to your wallet, and fair enough. Fast fashion may have to rethink itself. Its just going to be interesting to see how the rest of the world and the uninformed public react.

There are quite a few directions to go with this information, which is why I've broken it up. We could discuss the events going on in Bangladesh. We could talk about the global movement it may start. We could even talk about how it will affect the Canadian apparel industry. I want to review all of the avenues, and will, but for this week let's get the conversation started and see how you, our lovely reader, will take this all in.

Racey Runways

Erdem SS2013

Erdem SS2013

Fashion is a glamorous, extravagant industry filled with beautiful things, but there are many dark sides to its beauty. Whether you believe it or not, the fashion design industry in all its power has the ability to make change. People follow trends from season to season; women and girls see fashion ads and models walking the runway and try to be those women. If Juicy Couture can stay in business by selling bedazzled sweatpants, then there is proof that fashion marketing can sell just about anything to anyone and still make millions.

So when I read these 2 articles last week,

http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2013/09/06/bfc-responds-to-racism-allegations-made-by-the-diversity-coalition---bethann-hardison

http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/20

13/09/10/naomi-campbell-iman--bethann-hardison-discuss-fashion-racism , it got me thinking; what sort of influence does the fashion industry have on the heavier, heartier topics such as racism?

Both the articles are about racism on the runways. 

The first article includes a letter issued by The British Fashion Council (BCF) to all London designers stating  “that all participating designers should recognize that London is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world and should consider reflecting this demographic at their shows and presentations,". 

The second article has Iman, one of the most famous black supermodels alive, saying “to clarify this, no one is calling any of these designers racist. The act itself is racist. There were more black models working in the Seventies than there are in 2013.” When I read Iman’s comment, I was shocked to hear that there were more black models in the 70’s! 

Living in Vancouver, another multi-cultural city, race was not a day to day issue, I just grew up with all sorts of races and that was normal; there was no black or white. So, I have to admit when I see the runway shows I do not compare how many of the models are black, white, etc. I mostly just look at the clothes and possibly comment on how thin some of the models are.  

But I am not surprised that this is still a current issue in fashion or anywhere for that matter. It will be interesting to see how the next season’s runways are impacted by these discussions and if a change will be made?  Why not have every model of a different race? I would like to see that runway show, but perhaps I would be drawn to the beauty of all the different women instead of to the clothes?

What do you think? 

-Alex

Reconciliation Week

Imagine: more than 150 000 children kidnapped from their families; taken kilometers from their homes and incarcerated in cement buildings, infested with diseases and physical and sexual abuse; being taught that they, and their families, were not human.

It sounds like a Saw movie, but this was the reality for 80% of Aboriginal children in Canada, who were coerced into the Canadian Residential School System, from as early as Canada’s creation in 1867 until the last residential school closed in 1998.

Assimilation was the backbone of the Residential School System. It was purposely designed to “kill the Indian to save the man”; as if to be human you could not be Aboriginal. These intentions were public and clear: “all the Indian there is in the race should be dead”. This propaganda has been argued no different than that of the Third Reich.

The sexual and physical violence that plagued the Canadian Residential School System is perhaps the most well-known consequence of the Residential School System. The effects of this abuse still reverberate throughout the Aboriginal community. Over the past couple of months, new atrocities have come to our attention. Aboriginal students of the system were purposely subjected to experiments on the effects of withholding nutrition. These examples are only a snapshot of the horrific treatments afflicted on Aboriginal children.

In 2007, former residential school students won a class action suit against the federal government. It forced the feds to officially recognize the scars of the residential school system. During the investigation, it became evident that there needed to be a forum for sharing common experiences and for a shared healing journey, between Canadian Aboriginal community members and between Canadians of European descent.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was initiated as the platform for this communication. It was also designed to bring public awareness to the issues and to create a “comprehensive historical record” about Canada’s darkest chapter. It is held in various communities around Canada throughout the year.

This week (September 16-22) Vancouver has officially declared “Reconciliation Week”. The week will begin with lighting the Fire of Reconciliation at Ambleside Beach, followed by an All Nations Canoe Gathering. The rest of the week will be dedicated to the sharing and learning of survivors’ stories. The week concludes with a Walk for Reconciliation, introduced by key-note speaker, Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in the 50^th year since the delivery of his “I have a dream” speech.

I could write 10 000 words about Residential Schools (and I have… I wrote my thesis on them…), but I think that I will leave the stories of history, hurt and healing up to you to discover. As a Canadian of European descent, it is easy to sit back on my privilege and chalk it all up to “good intentions” and stereotypes. Perhaps it is a bit of guilt, but I am so tired of hearing “they should get over it”. When we consider the residual effects that still plague our society today, like the “Highway of Tears”, the “Stolen Sisters”, and the disproportional high rates of incarceration, we know that the targeted racism and hatred is not forgotten and not something “to get over”.

I hope that everyone takes advantage of the opportunities that Reconciliation Week offers. For all Canadians to move towards forgiveness and inclusivity, we need education and understanding. As Martin Luther King Jr. said: “We cannot walk alone. And as we walk we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead”. This is a journey we need to take together.

- Lisa

NY Fashion Week

With NY fashion week wrapping up and London following next week, everyone is looking for next spring’s hot trends. As Kim explained in a recent post things move pretty fast in the fashion industry, but with weather like we have had this past week, it feels right to be checking out next year’s hot grabs!

Some of my favourite designers were showing at the S/S 2014 New York Fashion Week so I definitely checked it out…online…unfortunately.

Here are some of my faves:

Oscar De La Renta is a master mind when it comes to fitting the woman figure, so it came to no surprise when his beautiful dresses filled the runway with romance and elegance.

Chloe is another label I love. I think it is the simplicity and the feeling of comfort I get when I look at the collection, even though everything is in actuality very intricate and beautiful.
I don't think I would wear this jacket in the spring or summer if it is anything like our recent year's but I would buy it just so I could have it for fall or per chance there was a cool enough day for it!


Marc by Marc Jacobs has this amazing print for S/S 2014 that completely caught my eye and although I do not think it will look good on me, if I had the money, I would damn well try!

And finally, for a touch of nationalism and because they are awesome,  DSquared. 

I actually want to start looking for Safari’s to go on, or at the very least start planning a series of Vancouver walks through our various parks just so I can rock this look! Or maybe just go up north with Kim and try hunting. LOL Either way I WILL look kick ass.

I know fall is here (even though this week you wouldn't know it) and I LOVE fall clothes, but checking out these collections has already made me excited for next year. 

-Alex